CVE-2026-18677: CWE-290 Authentication Bypass by Spoofing in Kong Inc. Kong Mesh
In Kong Mesh running in universal mode with a MeshIdentity whose SPIFFE ID path template derives from the dataplane's kuma.io/workload label, the XDS authenticator in kuma-cp validates that label only when the dataplane token is bound to a workload. Workload binding is optional, so a dataplane presenting a tags-bound token can register with kuma.io/workload set to any value and obtain another workload's SPIFFE identity.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
In Kong Mesh (versions 2.13.0 and 2.14.0) operating in universal mode, the XDS authenticator component in kuma-cp validates the kuma.io/workload label only when the dataplane token is workload-bound. Since workload binding is optional, a dataplane using a tags-bound token can register with an arbitrary kuma.io/workload label value, thereby obtaining the SPIFFE identity of another workload. This constitutes an authentication bypass by spoofing, classified under CWE-290.
Potential Impact
An attacker controlling a dataplane with a tags-bound token can spoof the SPIFFE identity of another workload by registering with an arbitrary kuma.io/workload label. This can lead to unauthorized access or impersonation within the mesh environment, potentially undermining trust and security policies that rely on accurate workload identity verification.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary mitigation has been documented at this time. Users should monitor Kong Inc.'s advisories for updates and consider restricting token issuance or enforcing workload binding where possible to reduce risk.
CVE-2026-18677: CWE-290 Authentication Bypass by Spoofing in Kong Inc. Kong Mesh
Description
In Kong Mesh running in universal mode with a MeshIdentity whose SPIFFE ID path template derives from the dataplane's kuma.io/workload label, the XDS authenticator in kuma-cp validates that label only when the dataplane token is bound to a workload. Workload binding is optional, so a dataplane presenting a tags-bound token can register with kuma.io/workload set to any value and obtain another workload's SPIFFE identity.
CVSS v4.0
Score 6.0medium
Affected software
Kong Inc.
Kong Mesh
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
In Kong Mesh (versions 2.13.0 and 2.14.0) operating in universal mode, the XDS authenticator component in kuma-cp validates the kuma.io/workload label only when the dataplane token is workload-bound. Since workload binding is optional, a dataplane using a tags-bound token can register with an arbitrary kuma.io/workload label value, thereby obtaining the SPIFFE identity of another workload. This constitutes an authentication bypass by spoofing, classified under CWE-290.
Potential Impact
An attacker controlling a dataplane with a tags-bound token can spoof the SPIFFE identity of another workload by registering with an arbitrary kuma.io/workload label. This can lead to unauthorized access or impersonation within the mesh environment, potentially undermining trust and security policies that rely on accurate workload identity verification.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary mitigation has been documented at this time. Users should monitor Kong Inc.'s advisories for updates and consider restricting token issuance or enforcing workload binding where possible to reduce risk.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Kong
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-03T15:20:45.630Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7cc1f3bf8831d539fe73f6
Added to database: 08/12/2026, 18:56:51 UTC
Last enriched: 08/12/2026, 19:15:55 UTC
Last updated: 09/25/2026, 13:47:43 UTC
Views: 73
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.